Detection of Adversary-in-the-Middle

Technique Detected:  Adversary-in-the-Middle | T1638

ID: DET0623
Domains: Mobile
Analytics: AN1687, AN1688
Version: 1.0
Created: 21 October 2025
Last Modified: 12 May 2026

Analytics

AN1687

For Android, detect Adversary-in-the-Middle by correlating analyst-visible device/network evidence and management state; use streaming or batched telemetry only where the documented collector is deployed. Correlate File Modification via Application Vetting / Forensic Acquisition [Dynamic filesystem trace or acquired app-container/filesystem artifacts: write() to /sdcard/ path]; Network Traffic Content via Enterprise Secure Web Gateway / Proxy [DNS/HTTP(S) inspection or proxy transaction metadata where enterprise decryption/inspection is deployed]; Protected Configuration via Android Enterprise DPC [DevicePolicyManager policy/compliance/security-state queries and SecurityLog events where supported]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone.

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
File Modification (DC0061) mobile:ForensicArtifacts Dynamic filesystem trace or acquired app-container/filesystem artifacts: write() to /sdcard/ path
Network Traffic Content (DC0085) webproxy:applog DNS/HTTP(S) inspection or proxy transaction metadata where enterprise decryption/inspection is deployed
Protected Configuration (DC0115) android:DevicePolicyManager DevicePolicyManager policy/compliance/security-state queries and SecurityLog events where supported
Mutable Elements
Field Description
ApprovedVPNApps IT-managed VPN app packages. Minimal.
HighValueAppList Banking, payment, enterprise apps writing to external storage.

AN1688

For iOS, detect Adversary-in-the-Middle by correlating analyst-visible device/network evidence and management state; use streaming or batched telemetry only where the documented collector is deployed. Correlate Application Permission via Application Vetting [Code-signing entitlements and Info.plist privacy usage-description keys]; Network Traffic Content via Enterprise Secure Web Gateway / Proxy [DNS/HTTP(S) inspection or proxy transaction metadata where enterprise decryption/inspection is deployed]; Protected Configuration via Apple MDM [DeviceInformation / SecurityInfo / ProfileList / restrictions and compliance queries]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone.

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
Application Permission (DC0114) mobile:ApplicationVetting Code-signing entitlements and Info.plist privacy usage-description keys
Network Traffic Content (DC0085) webproxy:applog DNS/HTTP(S) inspection or proxy transaction metadata where enterprise decryption/inspection is deployed
Protected Configuration (DC0115) iOS:MDM DeviceInformation / SecurityInfo / ProfileList / restrictions and compliance queries
Mutable Elements
Field Description
ApprovedVPNApps IT-approved iOS VPN bundle IDs with Network Extension entitlement. Minimal.